The Glen Burney Falls Trail - Blowing Rock, NC
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.” - Mary Anne Radmacher
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord - Joshua 24:15
“Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you are actually living.” - Rachel Marie Martin
Chasing Waterfalls in Blowing Rock: The Glen Burney Falls Trail
If you find yourself strolling through the storybook streets of downtown Blowing Rock, North Carolina, it’s easy to get swept up in the boutique shops, local cafes, and manicured lawns. But just a few blocks from the main drag lies a steep, rugged descent into a mountain gorge that feels worlds away from civilization.
For our latest excursion, Ginger, our dog Sophie, and I headed out to tackle the iconic Glen Burney Falls Trail. Tucked away in the Pisgah National Forest, this trail packs three stunning waterfalls, deep local history, and a serious leg workout into a compact 3-mile out-and-back hike.
Starting at the Annie Cannon Gardens
The adventure begins seamlessly. The trailhead is located right in the Annie Cannon Gardens off Laurel Lane, just a short walk from downtown. It’s a beautiful, serene spot to stretch your legs before the real work begins.
As soon as you step past the gardens, the trail begins its descent into the gorge. This hike follows the path of New Years Creek, which means the soothing sound of rushing water accompanies you almost every step of the way.
Steep descents and Historic Ruins
Don’t let the gentle park setting at the start fool you. The Glen Burney Trail drops about 600 feet in a mile and a half. The path wastes no time getting technical, leading us down intricate stone staircases and tight switchbacks. Navigating the damp rocks and roots kept us on our toes, but Sophie handled the terrain like a total pro, keeping her nose to the ground and her tail wagging.
About halfway down, we stumbled upon one of the most unique features of the hike: the sewer plant ruins. It’s a fascinating bit of backcountry history hidden in the forest. This old municipal facility closed operations back in 1929, and nature has spent nearly a century reclaiming the stone walls and concrete structures, transforming them into a mossy, hauntingly beautiful relic of the past.
The Triple Crown of Waterfalls
Of course, the main event of this trail is the water. Glen Burney doesn't just offer one payoff—it delivers three distinct cascading beauties, each with its own personality:
The Cascades: The first major water feature you encounter. It’s a series of smaller, gentle drops over smooth rock faces that sets the tone for the gorge.
Glen Burney Falls: The namesake of the trail and a true showstopper. Dropping roughly 50 feet over a massive rock shelf, it’s a powerful sight. There is an observation platform here that provides a safe, front-row seat to the thundering water.
Glen Marie Falls: The final reward at the bottom of the descent. Dropping roughly 60 feet, this multi-tiered waterfall splits and dances over layers of rock, surrounded by dense rhododendron thickets.
The Climb Back Up
After soaking in the views at Glen Marie Falls, we took a breather, shared some water, and geared up for the reality of an out-and-back gorge hike: what goes down must come up.
Climbing back up those same stone switchbacks and staircases is a guaranteed heart-pumper. By the time we popped back out into the sunshine of the Annie Cannon Gardens, our legs were burning, but our spirits were high. It’s the perfect half-day trek—rugged enough to satisfy your craving for a real mountain hike, but close enough to town that you can be sitting down for a celebratory lunch just fifteen minutes after finishing.
Hike Info Summary
Distance: 3 miles (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (due to steep elevation gain on the return)
Trailhead Location: Annie Cannon Gardens, Laurel Lane, Downtown Blowing Rock, NC
Key Highlights: The Cascades, Glen Burney Falls, Glen Marie Falls, and the 1929 sewer plant ruins.
Dog Friendly: Yes (leashed dogs welcome, though the steep steps require careful footwork!)
Ooh, that smell